Union, MO

Union, MO

Allow Axes to Help Develop Your Customized Beginner Running Program

Beginner Running Program in Union, MO

Beginner running program in Union, MO. There are numerous reasons to begin a running program: it can boost mental health, burn fat, strengthen the heart and lungs, and it’s one of the most convenient ways to get exercise. But, if you want to start a beginner running program in Union, MO, you may not know how to proceed, and if you’re healthy enough to handle more physical activity than your body’s accustomed to. Professional physical therapists like the ones we have here at Axes are experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system. Whether you’re looking to get back to peak performance after a sports or work-related injury or just need to get healthier, our team can help you learn proper form, understand if you’re healthy enough to begin a running program, and treat any running-related injuries you may sustain.

Keep reading this article to see our beginner running tips, contact us online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you for more information.

Beginner Running Program Union, MO | Injury Prevention | Physical Therapy Near Union

6 Benefits of Starting a Beginner Running Program

When you start a running program, your body and mind receive numerous benefits, including:

  1. Weight loss — Most people burns about 80 to 140 calories per mile, making running one of the more effective weight losing exercises.
  2. Improved cardiovascular health — Running helps to strengthen the heart and lungs, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  3. Increased physical strength and endurance — Running helps to strengthen the muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back, and greatly increases lung capacity and endurance.
  4. Improved mental health — Running is known to improve your mental health by releasing endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that improve your mood.
  5. Increased longevity — Regular running has been linked to a longer lifespan. Just one run may add 7 hours to your life.
  6. Accessibility — Running is a simple and affordable way to get consistent exercise and you can do it almost anywhere with almost no equipment. It it doesn’t require any specific skills or knowledge, and your routine can be easily modified to suit individual needs, abilities, and limitations.

While you may feel the proverbial “runner’s high” right away, in order to get the full benefits of starting a beginners running program in Union, MO, it will take dedication.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Union, MO

Going from the couch to the track may give pause to some Union, MO residents, but in truth it’s as easy as putting on your shoes, going outside or to the gym, and pushing yourself forward. A beginner running program isn’t about “winning;” it’s about determination, constant improvement, and being healthy. Below are the top 6 beginner running tips to make sure you begin your program safely, and stay motivated to continue it.

  1. Set realistic goals and progress gradually — You’re probably excited to start your running program, and may have dreams of one day running that 4-minute mile. But if you haven’t done strenuous physical exercise in a while, or you’re just starting exercise again after an injury or surgery, over-exerting yourself could lead to injury, and trying to do something unrealistic may make you unmotivated. Start out by running slowly, and slowly the distance you run as your progress in your program.

    If your body isn’t used to physical activity, may be a good idea to start by walking briskly for half an hour and progress to running later. Another option is to switch between running and walking in 2-minute intervals.

  2. Get the right footwear — One of the great things about running is you can do it anywhere and it requires relatively little equipment. One piece of equipment you do need are running shoes. There are many pros to buying proper running shoes, including increased comfort, better performance, and injury prevention.
  3. Warm up and cool down Even professional athletes need to warm up to be at their best and prevent injuries. Stretching and exercises like leg swings and lunges that enhance range of motion will help prepare your body for the rigors of running. After the run, it’s important to do static stretches and rest to help prevent injuries and reduce soreness.
  4. Complement your running program with strength and cross training — Running can lead to overuse injuries, so it’s a good idea to maintain your flexibility and keeping your muscles strong as you continue to run. A physical therapist can help you maintain and improve your current levels of flexibility and strength with a dedicated strength training program.
  5. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet — Running and sweating increase the amount of water we need. Adequate hydration increases recovery and performance, and minimizes negative side-effects.

    Running also requires a lot of energy. A healthy diet is necessary to get that energy back. Having good nutrition also complements certain running benefits, such as weight management and reduced stress.

  6. If you’re not feeling great, slow down or take a day off — Listen to your body after each run. While it’s important to make running a habit, you can injure yourself if you over-exert yourself. A little soreness should be expected. But, if you’re having significant pain, you should hold off on running until you heal. If the pain doesn’t subside or progressively worsens, seek out an appointment with your physician, or call Axes Physical Therapy for a free injury screening.

In some ways running never gets easier, as you’ll keep having to push yourself to your limits to see the benefits. But the more you do it the more you’ll be motivated to continue doing it.

How a Physical Therapist in Union, MO Can Help Your Beginner Running Program

Our Union, MO physical therapists can help with recovering from injuries and other musculoskeletal problems like offering relief for chronic pain. But a licensed physical therapist can also contribute to a relatively healthy person’s well-being. With exercises and techniques proven to work through study and research, an Axes physical therapist in Union, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Union, MO can help determine what your current health level is, and develop a beginner running program based on that.
  • Design a customized exercise program — We can develop a beginner running program based on your specific needs and limitations. We can also develop a cross training program. A physical therapist can also help you not be satisfied the with status quo, and introduce you to more demanding running exercises such as varying speeds or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Correct technique is vital to running safely and getting all the possible benefits from your running program. We’ll show you correct running form, and we also use motion video analysis to break down your movement.

    We can also show you warm-up techniques for before your run, and the best static stretches to do after.

  • Injury prevention The best injury is the one that’s avoided. We’ll help you optimize your wellness through a customized program that improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and form while running and when engaged in other physical activity.
  • Treating any running injuries — If you do become injured, a physical therapist can help you get back to running and other activities you love quickly and safely. If you’re experiencing significant soreness, a physical therapist can reduce inflammation and pain in your legs, buttocks, and back.

Whether want to get healthier, or get back to the top of your game after an injury or surgery, the Union, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to help you develop and maintain your beginner running program.

Other services we provide in Union, MO include:

Beginner Running Tips Union, MO | Beginner Running Running | Physical Therapists Near Union

Call Axes to Start Your Beginner Running Program in Union, MO

Starting a beginner running program in Union, MO does wonders for both your body and mind. However, many people don’t know where to begin, or are nervous about if their body can hold up to it. Professional physical therapists like those at Axes can help by creating a comprehensive exercise program that will ensure you can enjoy the benefits of running without hurting yourself. If you’re thinking about starting a beginner running program in Union, MO, schedule an appointment online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you.

Services Offered

Services Offered
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    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Advanced Work Rehabilitation
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Vestibular Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Spine Specialty – Certified Manual Therapy
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFR)

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Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Danielle O’Rando
Front Office
Sharon Titter
Clinic Director, MPT

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